Knockdown article of furniture



May 30,1961 R. H. MONROE EIAL KNOCKDOWN ARTICLE OF FURNITURE Filed Feb.16, 1959 INVENTORS E my M5 VI M M may R M m m T 5% A M w% Un t d W5 P rmv bu1"y,'N.Y., assignors to 'Molla Incorporated, Westbury, N.Y., acorporation of New York .-Filed Feb. 16, 1959, Ser. No. 793,624

This invention relates to a knockdown article of fumiture, comprising ametal frame, wherein the same can be utilized as a table, seat, bench orthe like. More particularly, the invention deals with a structure of thecharacter described, wherein two or more crossed cast leg frames areemployed and coupled with a rectangular top or supporting frame, inconjunction with a cast spacer and bracing rod engaging and spacing theleg frames in providing a sturdy article of furniture of the characterdescribed.

The novel features of the invention will be best understood from thefollowing description, when taken together with the accompanyingdrawing, in which certain embodiments of the invention are disclosedand, in which, the separate parts are designated by suitable referencecharacters in each of the views and, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side view of an article of furniture made according to ourinvention, with parts of the construction broken away and in section.

Fig. 2 is a section substantially on the line 2-2 of Fig. 1; and

Fig. 3 is an enlarged partial section on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2 of thecentral leg unit of the furniture.

In practice, we provide an oblong, rectangular sheet metal frame 10,preferably of angle iron cross-sectional form, as noted at the ends 11,Fig. l, and the sides 12 of Fig. 2. Welded or otherwise secured to thelower portions of the side members 12 of the frame are cross-straps 13,three of which are shown in Fig. 1 of the drawing. It will be noted thatthe end straps are spaced with respect to the end frame members 11, soas to maintain the entire supporting structure of the frame 10 withinthe environment of the ends 11, as noted in Fig. 1 of the drawing.

It is pointed out, at this time, that, while in the present showing ofFig. 1 illustrating one adaptation and use of our invention we haveshown a relatively long frame 10, the device can be made up with shorterframes, in other words, frames which include only two supporting legunits, instead of the three, as shown in Fig. l, but, at all times, theends 11 of the frame 10 will be spaced beyond the end strips 13. At thistime, it is also pointed out that any type and kind of a top can bearranged within the ends and sides 11 and 12 of the frame 10. In otherwords, when tables are to be constructed, glass, Formica or other panelscan be arranged in the frame; whereas, when seats, benches or the likeare to be constructed, cushioned tops will be employed.

Now considering Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, it will appear that legunits 14, preferably of die cast aluminum, are employed, these unitshaving crossed downwardly flaring leg ends 15 terminating in upwardlyflaring supporting ends 16, which are bolted or otherwise secured, as at17, to end portions of the strips 13, as clearly illustrated in Fig. 2of the drawing, this providing the detachable mounting of the units 14.

The cross-legs provide, centrally thereof, large bearing portions 18,having a threaded aperture 19, note Fig. 3

of the drawing, for reception of a coupling screw 20. At 21, in Figs. 1and 2 of the drawing, are shown two cast aluminum brace coupling andspacing members having relatively wide central portions 22 andcontracted ends terminating in disc-type heads 23 and the heads 23having threaded apertures 24, note Fig. 3 of the drawing, for receptionof the screw or screws 20.

Fig. 3 actually discloses part of the central leg unit 14 illustrated inFig. 1 and portions of the adjacent members 21. It will here be notedthat a single screw 20 can be utilized to couple both members 21 withthe leg unit 14.

Now, considering Fig. 1 of the drawing, it will appear that. at 20' wehave indicated, in dotted lines, screws mounted in opposed ends of themembers 21 to operatively engage the end leg units 14 and also toreceive characterized knobs 25, forming finished ends for the screws 20'and an attractive appearance at the end of the furniture, the knobs 25being disposed within end limits of the end members 11 of the frame 10.

It will be apparent that the members 21 are detachably coupled with theleg units 14, thus the entire furniture is composed of three basicparts, namely the frame 10, at least two leg units 14 and at least onemember 21, which, when detached, can be compactly packaged in arelatively thin package, the length and width of which would be definedby the length and width of the frame 10 employed.

By reason of the simple construction employed, the table, seat or benchof two distinct lengths can be produced economically and, by reason ofthe cast aluminum structure of the units 14 and members 21, the weightcan be maintained at a minimum to facilitate handling and movement ofthe furniture when in set-up condition.

Considering Fig. 2 of the drawing, it will appear that the ends 15 and16 of the units 14 are relatively wide at the bearing portion 18 andcontract in the direction of the ends thereof. However, noting Fig. 1 ofthe drawing, it will appear that the central portions of the ends 15 and16 are transversely enlarged, as indicated at 14' to reinforce andstrengthen these ends.

Having fully described our invention, what we claim as new and desiretosecure by Letters Patent is:

1. An article of furniture, comprising a rectangular top supportingframe, defined by sides and ends of angle iron cross-sectional form,means adjacent and spaced from the frame ends and permanently fixed tothe frame sides for joining said frame sides, crossed one-piece legunits detachably coupled with said means adjacent the frame sides, thecrossed units having, centrally thereof, a large bearing portion,including a threaded aperture, a coupling, spacing and bracing memberarranged between two of said leg units, said member having, at endsthereof, threaded apertures for reception of screws projecting beyondsaid member for engagement with the threaded apertures of said units,and means engaging the screws, outwardly of said units, for retainingthe units in firm coupling engagement withends of said member.

2. An article of furniture, comprising a rectangular top supportingframe, defined by sides and ends of angle iron cross-sectional form,means adjacent and spaced from the frame ends and permanently fixed tothe frame sides for joining said frame sides, crossed one-piece legunits detachably coupled with said means adjacent the frame sides, thecrossed units having, centrally thereof, a large bearing portion,including a threaded aperture, 21 coupling, spacing and bracing memberarranged between two of said leg units, said member having, at endsthereof, threaded apertures for reception of screws projecting beyondsaid member for engagement with the threaded apertures of said units,means engaging the screws, outwardly of said units, for retaining theunits in firm coupling engagement with ends of said member, and oneaoaeaso of. said last named means comprising a secondmember similar tothe first member and extending to and engaging a third leg unit.

3. An article of furniture, comprising arectangular top supportingframe, defined by sides and ends; of angle iron cross'sectional form,means adjacent and spaced from the frame ends and permanently fixed tothe frame sides for joining said frame sides, crossed one-piece legunits detachably coupled with said means adjacent the frame sides, thecrossed units having, centrally thereof, a large bearing portion,including a threaded aperture, a coupling, spacing and bracing memberarranged between two of said leg units, said member having an enlargedcentral portion and contracted ends terminating in disc heads, saidheads having threaded apertures, screws mounted in said last namedapertures and projecting beyonrl said heads for engagement with thethreaded apertures of said units, and means engaging the screws, outwardly of said units, for retaining the units in firm couplingengagement with ends of said member.

References Cited in the tile of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS960,314 Guttman June 7, 1910 1,104,103 Carpenter- July 21,1914 1,357,050Hathorne Oct. 26, 1920 1,473,817 Corsline Nov. 13,1923 1,924,989HaHowell Aug. 29, 1933 2,616,773 Sanford Nov. 4, 1952 2,622,952 WilhideDec. 23, 1952 2,635,023 Frye .24.. Apr. 14, 1953

